New albums from star tenors Roberto Alagna and Pene Pati top this week’s latest releases, while an intriguing release of new choral music inspired by the writings of James Joyce deserves attention.
“60”
Roberto Alagna, tenor
Giorgio Croci, conductor
Morphing Chamber Orchestra
Aparté
Star tenor Roberto Alagna has conquered stages around the world, particularly the top houses in New York, Paris, London, and Milan, so this self-indulgent victory lap honoring his 60th birthday isn’t undeserving. Included are the signature arias you would expect, from Verdi’s “Simon Boccanegra” and Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin,” and many you would not — including short works by Alagna himself. Alagna fans, and there are many, will rejoice.
“Nessun Dorma”
Pene Pati, tenor
Amina Edris, soprano
Amitai Pati, tenor
Emmanuel Villaume, conductor
Orchestre National Bordeaux-Aquitaine
Warner
Samoan tenor Pene Pati’s voice is often compared to Luciano Pavarotti’s, so it’s fitting this album opens with a work so identified with Pavarotti, Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” from “Turandot.” The rest of the album is arguably more interesting, however, including arias from Gounod’s “Faust,” Donizetti’s “La favorite,” and Helévy’s criminally underappreciated “La Juive.”
“Chamber Music by James Joyce: Volume I”
Desmond Earley, conductor
Choral Scholars of University College Dublin
Solstice Ensemble
Signum
James Joyce incorporated music into many of his writings, particularly his 1907 collection of poems “Chamber Music,” and his words inspired composers from Barber to Szymanowski. Here, the Choral Scholars of University College Dublin bring together 18 commissions by contemporary composers to celebrate Joyce’s verse. With contributions from Dale Trumbore, Kevin Whyms, Seán Doherty, and others, this album is well worth exploring.
